Carlene Ertmer

Carlene Ertmer, of Elizabeth, passed away on Monday, May 13, 2024, at FHN after a sudden illness. Born August 5, 1938 on the family farm to Clifford and Laura (Boldt) Dittmar. She graduated from Stockton High School Class of 1956 and married Robert on June 14, 1958 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Elizabeth. She was a devoted wife to her late husband, Robert, a loving mother to her seven children, a beloved grandmother and great-grandmother to her 18 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Carlene found terrific joy in the company of her family, her face lighting up whenever they were around. Her nurturing spirit and endless patience made her a cherished figure in her grandchildren’s lives, creating treasured memories that included reading countless storybooks aloud and playing games of UNO, Sorry, and Old Maid.

In addition to her love for children, Carlene had a keen interest in preserving memories and milestones of those she held dear. She clipped newspaper articles and archived materials about her family’s achievements for future generations to remember.

A true artisan in the kitchen, Carlene prepared many a homemade meal, desserts, rolls, jams and juices that were savored by family and friends alike. A pie, cake or popcorn balls were almost a weekly request for her children’s school bake sales. Visiting family favorites included homemade bread and cinnamon or caramel rolls, to name a few. Her skillful hands transformed fresh garden produce into containers of delight. It seems there was nothing she didn’t can or freeze.

In addition to her culinary talents, Carlene was a talented embroiderer and sewer. Her handiwork adorned the homes of many loved ones, and her repairs extended the life of many shirts and trousers. Each stitch was a labor of love and a testament to her resourcefulness. She contributed to the family income through waitressing, wrapping butter at the Elizabeth Creamery, delivering and selling eggs to customers every Saturday, and cleaning the Ray Mar Motel, where she became a surrogate daughter to Mary Chambers.

In her later years, she and Robert enjoyed attending grandchildren’s events, bowling, traveling, concerts in the park, and attending plays at Timberlake. After Robert’s passing, you could find her reading, doing word searches, listening to the radio, or watching Andy Griffith and Wheel of Fortune.

Carlene will be dearly missed by her friends and loving family, but her legacy of love and generosity will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her. A private family memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.

Carlene is survived by her seven children, William “Bill” (Sue) Ertmer of Scales Mound, IL, Kevin (Brenda) Ertmer of Elizabeth, Tim (Tonya) Ertmer of Elizabeth, Joy Ertmer of Elizabeth, Jane (Greg) Hulstedt of Belvidere, IL, Steve (Sheila) Ertmer of Elizabeth, and Jenny (Joe) Duey of Tega Cay, SC; 18 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren; five siblings, Cleland (Joanne) Dittmar, Ruth Wright, Betty (John) Lisk, Judy (Martin) Ankney, Julene Robinson and one sister-in-law, Maxine Dittmar.

Carlene is preceded in death by her husband Robert; 2 children at birth, her parents, Clifford and Laura; her brother John Dittmar; and her brothers-in-law, Dean Wright and Dave Robinson.